Orexigen Therapeutics

Logo of Orexigen Therapeutics

Orexigen Therapeutics was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of pharmaceuticals targeting the treatment of obesity. The company's most notable product was Contrave, a combination of naltrexone and bupropion, which is used for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or 27 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity.

History

Orexigen Therapeutics was founded with the goal of developing innovative treatments for obesity, a growing global health concern linked to numerous health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. The company's approach combined drug therapy with lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain weight loss.

In the early 2010s, Orexigen Therapeutics received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Contrave. This approval marked a significant milestone for the company, as Contrave became part of a new wave of weight loss drugs that showed promise in helping patients achieve significant weight loss outcomes.

Despite the initial success, Orexigen Therapeutics faced challenges in the highly competitive pharmaceutical market, including regulatory hurdles, competition from other weight loss drugs, and the complexities of marketing and distributing pharmaceuticals.

Products

The flagship product of Orexigen Therapeutics, Contrave, works by targeting specific areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and energy balance. Naltrexone is typically used for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence, while bupropion is used for depression and smoking cessation. The combination of these two drugs in Contrave was found to reduce appetite and increase the feeling of fullness, leading to weight loss.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many weight loss drugs, Contrave faced scrutiny over its safety and efficacy. Concerns were raised about the cardiovascular risks associated with its use, leading to extensive post-marketing studies to ensure its safety profile. The high cost of medication and the need for long-term use to maintain weight loss also posed challenges for both the company and patients.

Acquisition and Legacy

The details of Orexigen Therapeutics' acquisition or closure, including the date and acquiring entity, would typically be included here. However, it's important to note that the pharmaceutical industry often sees mergers and acquisitions as companies strive to expand their product portfolios and leverage new technologies.

Orexigen Therapeutics' journey reflects the complexities of bringing new weight loss treatments to market. Despite the challenges, the development and approval of Contrave contributed to the understanding of obesity treatment, highlighting the potential of combination therapies in managing this chronic condition.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Obesity
• Weight loss
• Food and Drug Administration